Recreation
The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. The 2025 dates are:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20, 2025
- National Get Outdoors Day June 14, 2025
- Juneteenth June 19, 2025
- National Public Lands Day September 27, 2025
- Veterans Day November 11, 2025
Know Before You Go
4001 Canoe Landing
Site Closed
4001 Bridge Canoe Landing is the last take-out along the nationally designated scenic portion of the Au Sable River. As you come around the bend just south of the Gabions you will pass under Federal…
40th St. Trailhead
Site Open
Going North - From 40th Street Trailhead to M-20 Trailhead, visitors will find themselves in a heavily wooded red pine area with several stream crossings.Going South - From 40th Street Trialhead to…
76th St. Trailhead
Site Open
Going North - From 76th Street Trailhead to Bowman Lake Trailhead, hikers will travel toward and along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River. As hikers travel north the terrain will get…
Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area
Site Closed
As visitors exit McKinley Road to enter the Au Sable Loop Scenic Overlook,  they will first see a panoramic vista of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River. An exemplary setting for…
Au Sable National Scenic River
Site Open
The Au Sable National Scenic River, is a 23-mile portion of the Au Sable River that stretches from Mio to Alcona Pond. President Ronald Reagan signed the law establishing the segment of river as a…
Au Sable River
Site Open
From Mio Pond to Lake Huron, the Au Sable is primarily managed by the HMNF. The river is managed in two sections, one from Mio Pond to Alcona Dam Pond, the second from Alcona Dam to Lake Huron.Au…
Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron
Site Open
This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere. Its flow of water still serves as an important link in the production of the state's electrical power supply.Flickr Photo…
Au Sable River Primitive Camping
Site Open
Ausable River Primitive Camping is not a physical campground located at one location. A series of 102 individually designated single-family campsites are located on a 55-mile stretch of the Ausable…
Au Sable Scenic River Highbanks Overlook
Site Closed
This observation area is located in Alcona County, 100 feet above the beautiful Au Sable National Scenic River. After traversing down a short, level, gravel path, visitors will enjoy a view of the…
Au Sable Vista
Site Closed
Located just off of Bamfield Road, visitors turn into the site and drive back to the parking area and picnic tables. From the observation deck, visitors are treated to one of the most popular, and…